Lynn Hill, b. 1961, USA

I have been all over the world and have had the fortune of doing things with many special people, some famous, some anonymous. But the biggest little hero I’ve ever known is Lynn Hill. The rest of us are just holding her rope.

John Long, 2002

I first saw Lynn Hill at Joshua Tree, probably around 1976. Perhaps 16, she had a tight little gymnast’s body, a face like a picture, and a shock of sandy hair under a wool Grand Prix driver’s hat. Any fool could see she had a gift. Back then, when most female climbers were bored girlfriends, hippies, or peculiar in the extreme (I don’t know why), it seemed strange and novel to see an athletic girl on the crags.

John Long, 1991

2006

Becomes AMGA rock instructor

2005

West Face V 5.13b/c A0, Leaning Tower, first free ascent, with Katie Brown, the free variation starts atop the 200-foot bolt ladder at the base of the wall, five pitches of 5.12 or 5.13.

Petzl Roc Trip, wins RP event – the only woman to lead “ultimate route” For me it was a big honour to climb with her. She's simply amazing. With a lot of energy, that shines from her eyes. And she’s in love with climbing. It was great to watch her, how decisively she did the long dynamic moves. I learned a lot from her and she showed that age is not a limiting factor in climbing. The ultimate route was 8c for me; only two and one finger pockets. Therefore I admired her performance even more. She would win also flash contest, but there was a 7b route with really long move, a jump which she couldn't do (I am almost 15 cm taller) and I did.